Napa police kill suspect after motorcycle chase

A man fleeing from Napa police on a motorcycle was fatally shot by an officer on Friday and the four officers involved have been placed on paid leave pending an investigation, Napa police said Saturday.

James Richard Jimenez, 41, died at Napa Queen of the Valley Medical Center following the shooting at intersection of Spring Street and Hill Avenue, a news release said.

Jimenez lost control of his motorcycle at the intersection, and officers repeatedly shouted, “Police, show us your hands, show us your hands,” as they approached, police said. Jimenez reached to his midsection for what the officers “recognized as a handgun.”

One officer fired three shots, with at least one striking the man in the torso.

A handgun, suspected methamphetamine and a substantial amount of cash were recovered from Jimenez, the release said.

The incident began at 4:55 p.m. as a sergeant and three officers with the Special Enforcement Unit were preparing to serve a search warrant for drugs and firearms in the 1400 block of East Avenue in the Alta Heights area of Napa.

Police said the suspect in the case, Jimenez, had a criminal history that includes violence, narcotics violations and gang affiliation. As they were preparing to serve the warrant, the suspect drove past on a motorcycle and, recognizing the police, sped away.

A short pursuit ended when the man lost control of his motorcycle, the release said.

The officer who fired the shots will be identified within a day, it said.